Project Engineer

Project Engineer (Generation) | On-site | Auckland

The Project Engineer will play a key role in the Aquila Clean Energy team, leading and contributing to the successful engineering delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects across the country. The Project Engineer will also cover technical phases from advanced development through commissioning. As part of a lean, high-performing team, the successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in core technical tasks, not just provide oversight. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with EPC contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, including the Grid Manager, ensuring all aspects of engineering meet regulatory and performance standards. This role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and growth opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Your main responsibilities

Early-Works & Technical Development

• Contribute and manage the delivery of early-stage engineering outputs such as but not limited to concept layouts, site design constraints, geotechnical reviews, and preliminary engineering reports.
• Provide detailed technical input to support development approvals and feasibility modelling.

Technical Due Diligence

• Perform and coordinate due diligence activities in collaboration with internal teams, external consultants, and lenders' technical advisors.
• Prepare and review documentation packages and address technical queries from financiers, investors, and other key stakeholders.

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract Support

• Draft, review and negotiate technical schedules within EPC contracts, including performance requirements, interface definitions, and equipment specifications.
• Responsible in ensuring engineering-related commercial risks are properly addressed and mitigated.

Design & Review Coordination

• Conduct detailed reviews and provide feedback on engineering drawings, specifications, and reports across various disciplines.
• Lead technical meetings and coordinate resolution of design issues with EPCs and consultants.
• Ensure in complying with New Zealand Standards (NZS, AS/NZS) and project-specific requirements.

Safety in Design

• Responsible in preparation and documenting Safety in Design (SiD) reviews in collaboration with HSE teams and external engineers.
• Ensure safety considerations are are thoroughly integrated into both early-stage and detailed design phases, in alignment with WorkSafe NZ regulations.

Coordination with Grid Manager

• Collaborate with the Grid Manager to ensure engineering deliverables are align with the overall grid connection strategy.
• Provide accurate and timely design inputs such as electrical layouts and SCADA specifications without duplicating responsibilities.

Quality Assurance

• Lead the implementation and overseeing of engineering QA/QC processes, including design verification and technical audits throughout the construction phase.
• Participate in or oversee site inspections, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and design validation processes.

Documentation & Design Controls

• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed engineering documentation and drawing registers.
• Support the review and approval of project documents through project control systems.

Commissioning Oversight

• Support and attend commissioning activities, including site presence during key milestones.
• Collaborate with EPC and Owner's Engineer teams to resolve design-related commissioning issues.

Owner's Engineer Management

• Lead the RFP process for selecting Owner's Engineer consultants and coordinate their work.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for OE deliverables, ensuring quality and responsiveness.

Your qualifications and experience

• Degree in electrical/civil / mechanical or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as an engineer in thermal, civil infrastructure, or network-related fields.
• Chartered Professional Engineer registration or actively working toward certification.
• Prior experience in renewable energy organisations, ideally combining both on-site and office-based engineering responsibilities, will be highly beneficial.
• Strong background in design review, contractor coordination, and document control processes.
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand-specific standards (NZS, AS/NZS) and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.
• Familiarity with WorkSafe NZ guidelines and Safety in Design methodologies.
• Good understanding of grid connection requirements, with the capability to support grid-related activities (note: grid leadership is managed by the Grid Manager).
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills.
• Positive attitude, good communication skills, able to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Able to work under pressure to meet reporting deadlines, with strong attention to detail.
• Fluent in the English language.
• Able and willing to travel extensively within the country.
• The position is located in Auckland. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to commence work on short notice.